Great Joy!

by Kate DiCamillo

Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline

Most enjoyed by all ages

Frances is getting ready for her Christmas pageant, but she's curious about the organ grinder and his monkey on the corner. Each day and night, they play for the few coins that clink in the monkey's cup. Frances is curious. Where do they go at night? Can they come for dinner? But Mother is too distracted with Frances's costume and the preparations for the holiday to pay Frances much mind. But Frances's heart is in the right place. Her compassion helps her share the message she's memorized at just the right moment and in just the right way.

Kate DiCamillo, beloved author of "Because of Winn Dixie" and "The Tale of Despereaux", has written a Christmas story to enjoy this season. The illustrations are truly superb. The chill of the streets, the warmth of Frances's apartment, the fear on her face as she can't say her lines in the pageant, are brought to life by Bagram Ibatoulline's beautiful drawings. The artwork is worth looking at well after the story is finished.

Add this one to your library and enjoy it for many Christmases to come!